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Are you ready to be a Sole Charge Groom?

Are you ready to be a Sole Charge Groom?

by Becky Parker

Sole charge groom positions can be sole charge for just some of the time when other team members are away, or the job can be fully sole charge 100% of the time, but both scenarios require specific skills and qualities to perform to expectation and the satisfaction of all involved. This can be a hugely rewarding, career-enhancing experience, but it can also be somewhat challenging on occasions. Becky looks at some of the pros and cons to consider.

One aspect we often see and must remark on, is that not uncommonly, the intensity of a sole charge position by definition, can cause employers and grooms alike to cross professional and personal lines. This can come back and bite you both in the proverbial, so care does needs to be taken and all parties should consider this and avoid crossing that line. Start as you mean to go on in this regard!

Also, when the time comes to move on from a particular sole charge position, it can be a truly heart-wrenching, emotional experience for grooms and employers (and their fur and non-fur families) alike. We have to handle this scenario regularly with extreme tact and diplomacy as often there is an understandable, heightened level of sensitivity at this time.

It’s important when applying for such a position that you are suitably equipped in all respects to fulfil the obligations that go with the territory which are sometimes apparent but, in our experience, often are not.

Is being a Sole Charge Groom right for me?

Being a sole charge groom is probably the closest thing many of us experience to having your own yard. As a professional, experienced groom you organise your own day and take care of the yard and horses as though they are your own. Sounds idyllic, and one of the reasons sole charge positions are so often described as “a job for life”.

Are you ready to be a Sole Charge Groom - a job with a lot of responsibilityHowever, with this job comes a considerable weight of responsibility. As a sole charge groom it is up to YOU to ensure everything – and I mean EVERYTHING – is kept in top-notch condition at all times. You need to be on the ball with all ordering and appointments, and when things go wrong you need to be knowledgeable, competent and capable of dealing with it in an appropriate and timely manner. You simply cannot get any of this wrong, as there will often be no one else for you to fall back on for help.

All equine grooms have a big responsibility in their daily job, but the scale of responsibility on a sole charge groom’s shoulders is undoubtedly heavier on many occasions. It will be YOU alone the boss comes to looking for answers – no team members to liaise with, fall back on or hide behind! If you are not ready for such a position a DREAM job can quickly become a NIGHTMARE when you find yourself in way over your head with such responsibility, so even if you can, you never should blag your way into a position for which you are not suitably qualified or experienced.

If you’re not already put off taking a job as a sole charge groom, before you start applying away for what might seem like the perfect job, take a moment to have a read through our whistle-stop tour of the sole charge groom’s job, to see if you have the knowledge and experience to deal with all this job might throw at you…

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Sole Charge Grooms Check List:

1. Will you care for the animals in your charge like they are your own?

Are you ready to be a Sole Charge Groom - care for animals

Many sole charge groom roles involve looking after more than just horses – at times you may be asked to feed and tend to any other type of animal the employer keeps, from the yard cats to a small flock of sheep or llamas (true story), and you need to treat all animals with the same level of care you would give your own beloved pets. While this may mean you sometimes get attached to the animals in your care and shed a tear or two when one is sold on or heads over the rainbow bridge, it means the standard of care you provide for them can be second to none. When your boss goes away they will get great reassurance from this and understandably like to believe know that their animals will be in the best hands possible, and you need to prove that those hands are yours.

Are you ready to be a Sole Charge Groom - Know what is and is not in your contractIt is worth mentioning at this point that you do really need to establish early on what your exact responsibilities will be when taking on such a role. I say that not to encourage you to be “jobsworth” about it, but because to meet expectations, you have to know and understand expectations. It is always better to avoid any potential conflict than wait for misunderstanding to present themselves with the resultant drama than occasionally ensues. It is very important to have your roles and responsibilities clearly stated in your Written Statement of Employment so do bear that in mind at your interview and the subsequent offer stages of the recruitment process. Our unambiguous advice,  ALWAYS GET THIS SORTED UP FRONT!

 

 

Are you ready to be a Sole Charge Groom - feeding regimes2. Can you set up and manage a feeding regime?

A sole charge groom will probably have between 2 and 5 stabled horses to look after each day, and they are highly unlikely to thrive on a “one size fits all” feeding regime. You need to be able to take the feeding regime that each horse is on when you start the job and adjust it as and when appropriate. You need to be able to assess accurately when each horse’s weight fluctuates, their exercise levels change, the seasons change and more. No more simply following the yard’s feed board – this time it’s YOUR feed board! You can read more about the link between feeding and body heat in our Basic Guide to Rugging Horses. It has to be said, these areas seem to be the topics that can be real bones of contention when things go wrong between a yard owner and a sole charge groom. Feeding and rugging can be both an art and a science and most experienced equestrians will have strong views on this, so do always bear that in mind when “treating the place as your own” and consult with the actual owner on a regular basis to keep things amicable between you.

 

 

3. Do you understand the basic principles of pasture management?

Are you ready to be a Sole Charge Groom - Pasture Management

This is often something that team grooms do not have to worry about, or at least they simply follow the instructions issued by the powers that be. However, for a sole charge groom, pasture management is more often than not on their list of responsibilities,  not only do, but know when to do it!

Pasture management includes but is not limited to:

  • poo picking
  • a good system for paddock rotation
  • harrowing, and rolling
  • fertilising and weed-killing
  • recognising, clearing and appropriately disposing of ragwort and other persistent, toxic weeds
  • basic fence, gate and water trough maintenance, including getting professional help in

 

 

This is something you ideally need to have some knowledge and previous experience of, as it isn’t something that you can manage effectively by ‘winging it’. You may also have to use tractors and/or farm machinery in order to continue the existing programme, so if you have not already had experience of using such machinery you need to be prepared to learn there are some great books and on line videos you can watch on the subject – the long winter evenings will simply fly past! 🤣

 

 

4. Can you diagnose simple common equine injuries and illnesses?

Over years of experience working in the industry most horse keepers develop a keen eye and feel for a variety of health conditions, swelling/heat and lameness. Without having anyone to discuss it with, you must be able to recognise and act appropriately when a horse needs medical intervention, including but not limited to:

  • laminitis
  • colic
  • pus in the foot
  • cuts, grazes, and other physical injuries
  • conjunctivitis and other eye problems

A useful reference point for all grooms, but especially sole charge grooms bearing so much responsibility alone, is a horses vital signs – making a note of these for each horse in your care will be something you’ll be glad you did when you’re next trying to decide if and what is wrong with one of your horses.

 

Are you ready to be a Sole Charge Groom - dealing with emergenciesThis requires a measured response – you don’t want to be calling the Vet out for anything and everything but equally, you cannot let your ego prevent you from calling on the experts when needed. It can be a fine balance between wasting the horse owner’s money on unnecessary Vet bills and saving the horse’s health and well being. You must be 100% confident in your ability to know what, when, where, who and how when it comes to dealing with these things, and not think you’ll cross that bridge if you come to it. You know what horses are like – you WILL encounter these situations time and time again! You must be able to listen closely, follow instructions and work with the vet and the horse’s owner towards the horse’s recovery, and try to keep panicked nighttime calls to your boss and the vet to a minimum where possible!

 

 

 

5. Can you turn out for Competition/Hunting?

There is a strong possibility that you will be required to clip, plait and turn out for shows in your sole charge groom role, and possibly competition grooming now and then. A good number of sole charge groom jobs are for employers who enjoy competing or hunting in their leisure time and need your assistance with the preparations for trips out to shows. You may even be lucky enough to be competing one of the horses yourself, and whilst you may look after the horses as though they are your own, when you take them off-site you are showing someone else’s horses, and you need to try to present them to the highest standard.

Are you ready to be a Sole Charge Groom - preparing for outings

From the children’s ponies to the father’s hunter to the mother’s advanced dressage horse they are all likely to be kept regularly clipped, bathed, groomed and with their manes and tails pulled/trimmed smartly. As a professional sole charge groom, being able to plait after a fashion is not be adequate for most  employers and shouldn’t be adequate for you either- there’ll be no getting your team-mate to do the forelock or the tail, it’s all down to you! You will need to enjoy seeing the horses in your care showing themselves off regardless of who will be riding them, and like to look on proudly at what all your hard work has produced.

 

6. Can you ride a variety of horses unsupervised confidently and safely?

Are you ready to be a Sole Charge Groom - riding alone

You need not be the next William Fox-Pitt but more than likely you will need to be happy to jump on most horses and hack out alone. You may need to deal with the odd bit of spooky silliness, carry out canter work with some semblance of control on a fit hunter/eventer, ride and lead without getting in a complete tangle, and lunge a horse for exercise and/or improvement. You can’t palm any of the larey horses off on your sticky-bummed team-mate!

You may need to know at least the basic principles of how to get a horse fit for purpose or brought back into work from injury, and be able to set and adjust an exercise regime for a variety of goals. Walking work might be a bit low octane but box rest is much more painful for horse and carer!

 

Are you ready to be a Sole Charge Groom - stressed out

7. Can you keep your cool and problem solve when it all goes spectacularly wrong?

It helps all grooms to understand the horses crafty way of testing the patience, sanity and bravery of even the best of us, but as a sole charge groom this is a particularly important attribute. Many’s a sole charge groom has faced a selection of near disastrous situations alone and kept their calm to find solutions when under pressure.  For example:

  • When one lone ranger gallops through all 5 neighbouring electric fences so all 12 horses are now galloping down the drive together…
  • When the new heavyweight cob fresh over from Ireland and a life living on the hill decides stable life isn’t for him and goes THROUGH the stable door to inform you he would prefer to live out…
  • When the fox kills all the chickens but takes only one and the kids are due on the yard in 5 minutes…
  • When the yard diva decides she will NOT be caught…
  • When you’re unceremoniously dumped whilst out riding and leading, and both horses disappear across the common…

No team-mates to call on, delegate to, or  fall back on – yup, it’s ALL on YOU!

 

8. Would you be happy living and working on your own?

Before considering your first sole charge groom position have a think out the reality of that – SOLE charge. How much do you like your own company? Things to consider:

  • Are you ready to be a Sole Charge Groom - living and working alone

    Long days/periods of time on the yard with no one to talk to other than the four-footers.

  • If you take a sole charge groom role outside of your home region you will have no friends or family in the area, and you’re unlikely to be making new friends in your job if you are truly sole charge!
  • If your employer is away all week or for long periods at a time you will need to find your own way around a new area, so it’s very important to consider this if you don’t have your own car.

 

9. Are you prepared for the random and varied ‘Person Friday’ duties?

Are you ready to be a Sole Charge Groom - varietyAs a sole charge groom, especially in a family yard situation,  it’s handy if you welcome the variation that supporting the family wherever possible brings to the job. It helps if you’re not just a horse lover, but a general animal lover so will enjoy dog sitting/walking, feeding chickens, pigs, rabbits, cats, goats and even the odd alpaca!

If the family have children you need to know the involvement you’ll be expected to have with them – it’s no good taking a job where you are going to be teaching and assisting the family children if you dislike or are uncomfortable around children.

Are you ready to be a Sole Charge Groom - family children

Person Friday duties are often part and parcel of the role and, provided the expectations are within reason, you must be happy to get stuck in within the parameters of the expectations outlined in your contract as previously mentioned.

 

It’s fair to say that the small private yards can have their fair share, of the whacky eccentric horse characters. It is also true that in these roles you do end up having to work more closely with them than might be good for your sanity. Do make the most of your job interview, not only sell yourself to the employer, but to assess for yourself the suitability of the job for you. It’s a very good idea to attend a job trial before committing to a long term sole charge groom job. When this goes to plan we have seen many a groom stay for 10 plus years watching the children, puppies, foals all grow up to have careers, children of their own and become an incredibly valued part of this close knit unit along the way. More than one groom I have spoken to has even been gifted a much loved horse or dog when they come to move on.

So if you have answered ‘Yes that’s me – I have so got this – Obviously’ to all the above you are probably ready to start applying for sole charge groom jobs.

If you would like assistance and/or advice regarding finding sole charge job vacancies or ascertaining if you are in fact, ready for this please don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

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*Salary £35,000 PA depending on experience and qualifications.*5 day week *Horse welcomed *Discretionary, generous end of year bonus *Overtime available *Very interesting role We have placed several staff with these employers over the years and most are still in situ with the feedback in all respects extremely positive. ‘Lovely family, a great place to work, nice people, more than fair remuneration Exciting Role on a small yard of 10 rare breed/schoolmaster horses for a really lovely private HNW family. The family reside in the UK seasonally and now needs an accomplished, calm, confident, self-starter with a passion for high standards of horse care and VIP client interactions to join the team. The daily role is inclusive of completing all yard jobs to a high standard, and exercising the horses both under saddle and in the carriage (opportunity to learn to carriage drive if not currently in your skillset). The horses need to be kept in a manner that keeps the horses suitably trained for their intended purpose and with a high level of turnout and yard. In the season the role is similar to a competition groom role, exciting and dynamic with different requests to fulfil on the main premises inclusive of pony riding, carriage driving, trekking, photoshoots, events and more! The ideal candidate would possess their HGV licence, but at minimum, the candidate will need to be confident driving a 3.5t and towing with a manual car and trailer with a willingness to obtain a HGV with the employer’s sponsorship longer-term. The candidate will need to be flexible regarding hours during the “season” the family are in residence as some events run into the evenings, this time is well remunerated and those that go above and beyond to make the residency period run smoothly are well rewarded with a very generous discretionary bonus at the end of the season. Daily working location is based in Hook, Hampshire, main estate based near Windsor, during the “season” you will be required to work from either/both locations. Could be live-in or live-out position but a relocation package is offered whereby the employer provides allowance for accommodation for 4 months, (giving time to look for own accommodation in the area). Amazing private facilities with space for 20 horses but family have <10 : International sized arena, own gallops and show jumps. Great hacking. Call Caroline and The Grooms List team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruiment.com
*5 day week * IRO £25K pa +/- plus accommodation neg. 🙂 This vacancy has arisen due to internal promotion. We have placed staff in these roles previously and the feedback is always excellent 🙂 This lovely employer is a semi-professional carriage driver and he and his wife have a strong equestrian background. Good horsemanship skills on the ground with yard & horse management skills being a priority for the role . Candidates should possess all the usual skills, including the ability to turn a horse out Riding optional – the horses are ridden by their owners (hacked and schooled to a good level under saddle). An interest in carriage driving experience is helpful but not essential and there is an opportunity to learn to drive if you might be interested.  Outings to competitions are shared between the yard manager and this position. You would mostly be travelling to outings in the UK. There are 7 horses which are Dutch harness horses 16HH-16.2HH (2x mares and 5 geldings), these are typically WB Dutch dressage type horses. The employer is constantly back and forth to the yard/abroad where he runs a thriving business but is looking to be permanently based in the UK permanently in 5/6 years’ time. Integrity, self-reliance initiative and self-starters are a must for this role. Small family estate. Indoor and outdoor ménages, good hacking. Great facilities -walker/washdown etc. No room for a horse but lots of good yards close by. Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email caroline@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
Job Description English family relocating from Scotland are looking for a live-in groom to start June 2024. This is a full-time position with the requirement to work ad hoc Saturdays or Sundays as needed. The applicant will be in sole-charge of two perfectly behaved cobs and three (pretty perfectly) behaved shetland ponies. The family are currently looking to acquire three further horses / ponies to add to their team. The private estate is a working farm with excellent equine facilities. There is an outdoor arena with show jumps, miles of off-road hacking and plans for an extensive cross country course. This is a very happy and family focussed home, with young children, dogs and other livestock. HGV 7.5 ton license preferable, but for the right candidate the family would sponsor the required training and qualifications. CVs and references will be required. Minimum Requirements All yard duties must be performed to a high standard. Applicant must be a sensitive and confident rider and happy to work through any schooling or behavioural issues. Due to the size of the horses, the family require a lightweight groom, ideally one who is able to exercise and school small stocky ponies. Candidate must be energetic, a team player, with good social skills and the ability to work harmoniously alongside other staff. The family are also looking for a positive, happy groom who would also really enjoy riding with (and teaching where needed) the younger members of the family. A DBS certificate will be required. Accommodation details Idyllic one-bedroom flat adjoined to the main house, overlooking the farm and parkland. This flat is in excellent condition and there is a strong expectation that this standard of accommodation will be maintained by the successful applicant. – Council tax paid for – Water and heating paid for (T&Cs apply) – All other utilities to be covered by the applicant Benefits For the right candidate, this position offers: – The opportunity to bring with them their own horse – The opportunity to bring with them a maximum of two well behaved small pets (indoor cats only) – The opportunity to use the family horse box for personal use (when not in use by the family) Pension as standard  
We are now looking for an experienced competent rider to join our team. This Warmblood Stud is the home of Stallions and Broodmares. We have the pleasure of owning and producing beautiful and versatile warmblood horses.  Our bloodlines include some of the top in the  Country ;- Concorde, Kannan, Voltaire, Zirocco Blue, Cardento, Kashmir V. We are based in West Wales near Tregaron in a stunning rural location with purpose built equine facilities with an Equine Therapy and Spa onsite. Set in the midst of the idyllic Cambrian Mountains we are graced with beautiful outriding and our horses benefit with hacking out as part of their daily routines.  These quality Warmbloods are or have competed in show jumping competition in this country and abroad. This full time, live in or out role. We need a competent rider to join the team. Most importantly to work with our team,  getting the best from our horses. This will include general yard duties working as part of the team producing young stock and competing our stallions.   The role is 5 days per week and flexibility if we go out to shows at the week days and weekends. We are a mixed yard competition horses (stallions), youngstock, broodmares and general riding horses. We have some very well bred, exciting youngsters for the future. We are a very busy yard this could be a hugely rewarding role for the right person. Accommodation details – Live in is available for one and own horse considered.  
*Salary of £22,360 -£25K pa neg. depending on experience plus beautiful Cotswold stone cottage accommodation (without charges). *Fab career/CV opportunity *Single accommodation *World-class establishment *Well behaved dog considered Groom with some performance horse experience required to work within an established and highly motivated team to a very high standard in an international dressage yard. Competent Grooms from any discipline considered. You must be a team player and as this is a non-riding position (some hacking, maybe,  if you are a particularly balanced and capable rider). It would suit someone who enjoys the Dressage environment and who wants to work with the best team of people & horses in the best of facilities at home. This is a great training ground for those established in their career or ambitious individuals wanting to build a career towards yard management and /or competition grooming in the future. Please call Caroline & Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
​*Stunning Cotswold location *IRO £400-£450 +accomm and no bills *5 day week * dog considered* Our client events her horses at all levels (BE90 – 4*)and has some fabulous advanced horses as well as some “up and coming” youngsters. This role is suitable for an experienced Groom who enjoys the competitive environment but is also happy when mostly home grooming. Relevant experience ideal including yard/stable/performance horse management. Youngstock experience a bonus as a few young horses brought in from time to time to bring on. Must be able to turn out to a good basic level. Must be passionate about horses and their care. … Please call Caroline & the Team  on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com  
CONFIDENTIALITY ASSURED *Salary IRO £40k totally negotiable depending on experience plus accommodation *Sponsorship available to suitably qualified non UK citizens *Partner, own horse and pets welcomed (but this is a role with lots of travelling home and internationally) Show Jumping Competition Groom required for a vacancy with a very ambitious and competitive family. Must be an experienced Show Groom in the UK and Internationally with an established referenceable record. Rider is a bonus but certainly not essential. Experienced driving  26t+ lorries and ideally articulated is key. 18 quality jumping horses and homebred/other young stock destined for a career in SJ/jumping all kept in top accommodation to the highest standards. Nice, flexible  accommodation Great team environment with a young, energetic, motivated and progressive team. Top-class facilities Fairly flexible on the number of days worked, can work around anything between 5 and 6 but obviously will be straight through when away at shows You will be well looked after and treated as the professional you have worked hard to become in this very inclusive environment. Must have experience with handling stallions. Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com  
If you have an EU or German passport or the necessary immigration status plus an adventurous spirit and would like to turbocharge your CV – we would like you to get in touch soonest *Salary £2047.71 per month/£24,572.52 pa annum/£472.54 pw (Euros equivalent) *Food/accommodation and utilities small charge *Must have an EU or German passport *Dog considered *Short-term contract positions (6-9 months available), as well as long-term jobs, are available *This employer is happy to consider junior and senior, experienced or less experienced This is a unique opportunity to work in a world-class performance horse yard/ auction site/ sales/youngstock /sales and competition yards and on the same employer’s Stud & AI laboratory (during the Stud season) . The Stud role during the season has 2 key elements:  to look after broodmares and their foals. You would also be involved in vet checks and insemination, youngstock handling, stable management, feeding, health care, farrier, etc Grooms/Stud staff interested in working in their world-leading AI laboratory This position requires someone super meticulous and organised to fill and pack the orders for mares to be put in foal to their world-class stallions via AI  you don´t need any horse or lab experience at all. Enthusiasm and dedication to work alongside the best horses, riders, and horse people. This opportunity would be GREAT FUN and a second-to-none experience which would enhance your career anywhere you choose at home and abroad. Outside of the season you may well work with young horses/competition horses/auction bound horses etc etc whatever you r preference vs the yards requirements at the time. All up for discussion. This really does offer a rare insight into world-class horses, world-class facilities, and a truly remarkable experience for any Groom or Stud Person seriously interested in getting to the top of their game. There are also considerable opportunities for advancement and promotion possibilities if you wish to remain in Germany. Please note: Medical aid – by law both employer and employee have to pay 50% Statutory sick pay – the employer pays for the first 6 weeks of medical insurance,  after the 6 weeks they pay around 60-70% 3 meals per day will be provided when working on site, (one of which is a warm cooked meal), and the employee pays 163€ per month contribution All employment/immigration /legal administration – The employer will assist with this but there will be a joint responsibility between the employee and Employer. The agency, Caroline carter Recruitment Ltd. in its capacity as an introductory and not an employment agency,  does not get involved with this apart from in terms of communication between employee and employer if requested in writing/email by the employee or employer Covid-19  – The employee must have had the 1st and 2nd doses but it is not mandatory to have had the booster.  This will be at the employee’s discretion but the employer retains the right to restrict duties without it.   Please call Caroline & the Team on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
Add considerable experience to your CV – why not consider as a short-term contract position (6-9 months available) as well as long-term jobs. If you have an EU or German passport, an adventurous spirit and would like to show what you are capable of or add to your CV, then this could be for you! *Salary £2047.71 per month/£24,572.52 pa annum/£472.54 pw (Euros equivalent) *Food/accommodation and utilities small charge * Must have an EU or German passport *Dog considered. One of the most professional performance horse yards in the world is looking to add to its team with two key Stud Roles to look after broodmares and their foals. You would also be involved in vet checks and inseminations, youngstock handling, stable management, feeding, health care, farrier, etc Grooms/Stud staff interested in working in their world-leading AI laboratory This position requires someone super meticulous and organised to fill and pack the orders for mares to be put in foal to their world-class stallions via AI  you don´t need any horse or lab experience at all. This employer is happy to consider junior and senior, experienced or less experienced. Enthusiasm and dedication to work alongside the best horses, riders, and horsepeople. This opportunity would be GREAT FUN and a second-to-none experience which would enhance your career anywhere you chose in the future both at home and abroad. A rare insight into world-class horses, world-class facilities, and a truly remarkable experience for any Groom or Stud Person seriously interested in getting to the top of their game. There are also considerable opportunities for advancement and promotion possibilities if you wish to remain in Germany. Please note: Medical aid – by law both employer and employee have to pay 50% Statutory sick pay – the employer pays for the first 6 weeks of medical insurance,  after the 6 weeks they pay around 60-70% 3 meals per day will be provided when working on site, (one of which is a warm cooked meal), the employee pays 163€ per month contribution All employment/immigration /legal administration – The employer will assist with this but there will be a joint responsibility between the employee and Employer. The agency, Caroline carter Recruitment Ltd. in its capacity as an introductory and not an employment agency,  does not get involved with this apart from in terms of communication between employee and employer if requested in writing/email by the employee or employer Covid-19  – The employee must have had the 1st and 2nd doses but it is not mandatory to have had the booster.  This will be at the employee’s discretion but the employer retains the right to restrict duties without it.   Please call Caroline on 0203 006 5730 or email info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com

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Caroline Carter Recruitment Ltd
The Stables
Fildyke Road
Meppershall
Bedfordshire
SG17 5LU

info@carolinecarterrecruitment.com
0203 006 5730 / 07747 686 118

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